Weapon System Methods for Firing and Detecting Ammunition Bodies

ABSTRACT

A weapon system comprising a weapon for firing ammunition bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one of the ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition bodies by means of a weapon includes the step of scanning one of the ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof. A method of detecting ammunition bodies includes the step of scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.

The present invention relates to a weapon system having a weapon for firing ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition bodies with a weapon, as well as a method of detecting ammunition bodies, are also subject matters of the invention.

Many different types of weapon systems having a weapon for firing ammunition bodies are known, for example as mobile weapon systems, such as chain-driven tanks, tank howitzers, combat helicopters, ships and the like. Furthermore, immobile weapon systems are known that are stationarily provided, for example for protecting bunkers and the like.

The weapons of such weapon systems make it possible to fire different types of ammunition bodies depending upon the given situation.

Due to international agreements, in the past many countries have obligated themselves, for humanitarian reasons, to dispense with certain types of ammunition bodies such as cluster or scatter munitions. However, the ammunition bodies proscribed by these agreements can be fired by nearly every type of known weapon system, for example in the form of aircraft bombs, artillery projectiles, as war heads on cruise missiles, etc.

Thus, with many weapon systems the danger exists due to the system itself that in armed conflict situations, even those types of ammunition proscribed by international agreements are fired.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a weapon system, a method for firing ammunition bodies, and a method of detecting ammunition bodies by means of which firing of proscribed ammunition bodies can be prevented.

This object is realized with a weapon system of the aforementioned general type in that it has a scanner for examining the structure of an ammunition body.

By means of the scanner of the weapon system, the structure of the ammunition body can be examined prior to firing. With the aid of this examination of the structure, conclusions can then be drawn concerning the type of ammunition body examined, whereupon in the case of proscribed ammunition bodies, appropriate measures can be introduced for preventing firing of the proscribed ammunition body. For example, the interior of the ammunition body of scatter munition bodies have a plurality of smaller ammunition bodies, so-called clusters or bomblets, or sub-munition bodies, that are recognized by means of the scanner, so that the appropriate conclusions can be drawn regarding the type of ammunition.

It is proposed pursuant to one embodiment of the invention that the scanner be integrated into the weapon in such a way that the structure of the ammunition body can be examined in its firing position. By examining the ammunition body in its firing position, for example in the weapon tube of an artillery howitzer, it is ensured that the examined and the fired ammunition bodies always coincide with one another.

Pursuant to a structurally advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the scanner be disposed in the region of a breech plate of a weapon tube of the weapon.

Pursuant to a further exemplary embodiment, the scanner is integrated into a firing container of the weapon that accommodates a plurality of ammunition bodies. Such firing containers are primarily used with multi-rocket launchers. The firing containers are loaded with a plurality of rockets, which are then successively fired in short time intervals. By arranging the scanner in the firing container, it is possible to prevent firing of proscribed ammunition bodies. The ammunition bodies can be accommodated in a magazine that can be inserted into the firing container. The scanners can be integrated into the firing container in such a way that when the magazine is introduced into the firing container, the ammunition bodies are examined. If one or more proscribed ammunition bodies are detected, further insertion of the magazine can be prevented by means of a mechanical blocking, so that the magazine, and along therewith the ammunition bodies, remain in a position within a firing container from which the ammunition bodies cannot be fired.

In this connection, it is advantageous if a separate scanner is associated with each ammunition body. Prior to firing, the scanners can separately examine each of the ammunition bodies. If a proscribed ammunition body is detected, suitable measures could be undertaken that prevent a firing of this ammunition body, for example by means of a disconnection or interruption of the electrical contacts.

It would also be conceivable, upon detection of a proscribed ammunition body, to automatically cancel the software, or parts of the software, of the weapon system. The weapon system would have to be restarted by an appropriate authorized person in a temporarily functionally disabled manner up to the cancelled software.

Pursuant to a further embodiment, the scanner can be disposed in the region of an ammunition supply mechanism of the weapon, as a result of which the firing of proscribed ammunition bodies can again be prevented. The arrangement of the scanner in the ammunition supply mechanism can in particular be such that the examined ammunition body, and the ammunition body that is the next one to be fired, always coincide with one another.

Pursuant to a further embodiment, the scanner can be disposed in such a way that the structure of the ammunition body can be examined during supply or feeding of the ammunition.

For weapon systems where a handling mechanism is provided for loading the weapon, it is proposed that the scanner be disposed on the handling mechanism. During the handling process, the scanner can undertake examination of the ammunition body.

To prevent an already examined and released ammunition body from being exchanged for a proscribed ammunition body, it is proposed pursuant to a further embodiment that means be provided to detect an ammunition body that is disposed in the handling mechanism. In the event that the examined ammunition body is removed, this would be recognized by the detection means, for which reason it would not be possible to exchange an already examined ammunition body for a proscribed ammunition body.

Of advantage is an embodiment pursuant to which the scanner is coupled with a type-identifying device that determines the type of the ammunition body. The examination result of the scanner can be transmitted to the type-identifying device, which on the basis of the obtained data then determines the type of projectile. If a proscribed ammunition body is involved, measures could be introduced to prevent firing of the ammunition body.

In this connection, it is further proposed that the type-identifying device compare the examination results of the scanner with a reference data bank. Characteristic data of all ammunition bodies released for the weapon system, for example the ordnance or the launcher, can be stored in the reference data bank; the data can then be compared with the scanner data, and in this manner the corresponding type of ammunition can be determined.

To prevent the danger of manipulations, it is further proposed that the scanner and/or the type-identifying device be coupled with an emergency power source. Even if all of the electronics of the weapon system are turned off, and the weapon is manually loaded, the scanner and the type-identifying device remain active in this manner, as a result of which even if the weapon is manually loaded, firing of proscribed ammunition can be prevented. The type-identifying device is advantageously coupled with a round-blocking device that prevents firing of the ammunition body. If a proscribed ammunition body is identified by the scanner, the weapon can be shut down by means of the round-blocking device. When the round-blocking device is activated, it is not possible to fire an ammunition body. An ammunition body that is already disposed in the firing position must in this case be removed from the weapon before the round-blocking device again releases the weapon.

The type-identifying device is advantageously coupled with a weapon control mechanism. In this manner, the data of the recognized type of ammunition can be taken into account in a firing control solution.

The round-blocking device can advantageously be activated as a function of the determined type of ammunition body.

It is further proposed that the round-blocking device be embodied such that in the event of manipulations at the scanner and/or the type-identifying device, in particular upon deactivation of one of the two systems, it transitions into an active state. In the active state of the round-blocking device, the weapon is shut down, so that no ammunition bodies can be fired.

In this connection, it is further proposed that the round-blocking device be embodied such that an ammunition body disposed in the firing position must be removed from the weapon in order to deactivate the round-blocking device.

With a weapon system having an ammunition depot that can be loaded with a plurality of ammunition bodies, and from which the ammunition bodies can be removed and can be fed to the weapon, it is further proposed that the scanner be disposed on the loading side of the ammunition depot. In this way, the type of projectile can already be detected during the loading of the ammunition depot.

In this connection, it is advantageous if the scanner is coupled with the weapon control mechanism, in particular via a type-identifying device. In this way, the weapon control mechanism can obtain precise information about which ammunition body is stored in which position in the ammunition depot.

It is furthermore proposed that an input device for the manual input of a prescribed type of ammunition be provided. During loading of the ammunition depot, the prescribed type of ammunition can be manually input by the operator on the basis of an identification of the ammunition body. In this case, the scanner forms a redundant system, with the aid of which the inputs of the operator can be checked. The input of a prescribed type of ammunition can be manually effected, for example by means of an input field or array, on the basis of an identification of the ammunition body.

Of advantage in this connection is an embodiment pursuant to which a comparison unit is provided that compares the type of ammunition determined by the type-identifying device with the prescribed type of ammunition. By comparing the detected type of ammunition with the prescribed type of ammunition, manipulations, and hence a firing of prohibited ammunition bodies, can be prevented. For example, it is not possible to alter the outer projectile casing, or the identification applied thereto, in order in this manner to create the impression of a permissible ammunition body. By means of the data determined by the type-identifying device, the structure of the ammunition body, and hence the pertaining type of ammunition body, can be determined with greater certainty. In addition, operator errors during the manual input are recognized.

It is furthermore proposed that the comparison unit be coupled with the weapon controller. By means of the comparison unit, information about the type of ammunition can be transmitted to the weapon controller, and this information can then be taken into account during calculation of a firing control solution.

Of advantage is an embodiment according to which the sensor is an acoustic resonance tester. The acoustic resonance testing method offers the advantage that it is possible to also determine the inner structure of an ammunition body. It is based upon the physical effect that after appropriate excitation, a body oscillates in specific characteristic shapes and frequencies. These oscillations form “fingerprints” that are specific to ammunition bodies, and can provide appropriate information about the type of ammunition body being examined. Alternatively, to examine the inner structure of the ammunition body, scanners that function in a different manner, for example x-ray scanners, can also be utilized.

Furthermore, to realize the aforementioned object with a method for firing ammunition bodies with a weapon, it is proposed that the structure of the ammunition body be examined by means of a scanner prior to the firing.

On the basis of this examination result, it can be decided whether or not the ammunition body should be fired. In the case of a proscribed ammunition body, the weapon can be shut down by suitable measures, and a firing of the ammunition body can be prevented.

In this connection, it is further proposed that the structure of the ammunition body be examined in a firing position within the weapon. By examining the ammunition body in its firing position, manipulations are prevented. The ammunition body that is disposed in the firing position is examined shortly prior to firing. It is not possible to fire a different ammunition body than that which was examined.

It is further proposed that the structure of the ammunition body be examined in the supply region of the weapon. By means of suitable safety measures, it is also possible in this manner to prevent a different ammunition body than that which was examined from being fired.

It is similarly possible to examine the structure of the ammunition body during supply thereof into the weapon. Also in this manner it is possible to achieve that only examined ammunition bodies can be fired.

It is furthermore proposed, on the basis of the structure examination of the scanner, to determine the type of ammunition by means of a type-identifying device.

In this connection, it is furthermore proposed to compare the examination results with reference data stored in a data bank. The reference data can be data that is specific to certain ammunition bodies, which permits an identification of the type of ammunition body in the manner of a “fingerprint”.

Finally, it is proposed that the weapon be blocked as a function of the recognized type of ammunition, and/or that the information pertaining to the type of ammunition be transmitted to a weapon controller.

With regard to a method for detecting ammunition bodies, it is proposed for realizing the aforementioned object that the structure of the ammunition body be examined by means of a scanner.

By examining the structure of the ammunition body, conclusions can be drawn about the type of ammunition body. Manipulations, for example exchanging identifications applied to the casing of the ammunition body, are prevented by means of the structure examination.

It is furthermore proposed that the structure of the ammunition body be examined on the loading side of an ammunition depot that can be filled with a plurality of ammunition bodies. By arranging the scanner that examines the structure of the ammunition body on the loading side, all ammunition bodies stored in the ammunition depot are examined.

It is further proposed that the type of ammunition be determined by means of a type-identifying device on the basis of the structure examination of the scanner.

It is furthermore proposed that the examination results be compared with reference data stored in a data bank.

Pursuant to one embodiment of the invention, it is further proposed that a type of ammunition determined by means of the type-identifying device be compared with a type of ammunition input via an input device.

It is furthermore proposed that deviations between the determined and the input type of projectile be indicated via a display. The operator thus obtains information that the input undertaken by him or her was not correct.

Finally, it is proposed that the type of ammunition be transmitted to the weapon controller, so that this can be taken into consideration during the calculation of a firing control solution.

Further details and advantages will be explained subsequently with the aid of the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a weapon system,

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of a weapon system,

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a further alternative embodiment of the weapon system,

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a further alternative embodiment of the weapon system, and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the breech plate of the weapon of a tank howitzer to represent one possible arrangement of the scanner that examines the structure of the ammunition body.

The circuit diagram of FIG. 1 shows a weapon system 1 which can, for example, be a tank howitzer, a naval gun, or a similar weapon system.

Stored in an ammunition depot 5 of the weapon system 1 are a plurality of different types of ammunition bodies 3, such as ballistic projectiles, grenades, etc.

The ammunition bodies 3 are loaded from outside of the weapon system 1 into the ammunition depot 5, and are removed from the ammunition depot 5 by means of a handling mechanism 4, as is represented by the solid arrows that depict the flow of ammunition. The ammunition bodies 3 that are removed from the ammunition depot 5 by the handling mechanism 4 are conveyed to the weapon 2, which can, for example, be a piece of artillery, whereupon they are located in a firing or discharge position within the weapon 2, from which the ammunition bodies 3 can be fired.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a scanner 6 is provided in the feed or supply region of the weapon 2. The scanner 6 is configured such that it examines the inner structure of the ammunition body 3, so that manipulations on characteristics or identifications of the ammunition body 3 visible from the outside have no influence upon the examination result.

The sensors 6 schematically illustrated in the figures are acoustic-resonance-testers that permit conclusions about the inner structure of the ammunition bodies. This type of sensors 6 is based upon the physical effect that, after appropriate excitation, the ammunition bodies 3 oscillate in specific characteristic shapes and frequencies. These oscillations form “fingerprints” that are specific to a particular ammunition body, and can provide appropriate information about the type of examined ammunition body 3.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the scanner 6 examines the inner structure of the ammunition body 3 while it is being supplied to the weapon 2. The examination result is transmitted to a type-identifying device 7, within which the examination results are compared with a data bank 7.1 by evaluation electronics 7.2. Found in the data banks 7.1 are reference data for many different types of ammunition bodies 3, such as resonance spectra that are respectively associated with a specific type of ammunition body. By comparing the examination results with these data, the evaluation electronics 7.2 can determine which type of ammunition body 3 is involved.

If the ammunition body 3 is a proscribed ammunition body 3, the type-identifying device 7 sends an appropriate signal transmission to the round-blocking device 9, which shuts down the weapon 2. If a permissible ammunition body 3 is involved, the data pertaining to the type of ammunition body 3 is transmitted from the type-identifying device 7 to the weapon controller 10, is taken into account in the firing control solution, and then the appropriate firing command is transmitted to the weapon 2.

The round-blocking device 9 of the weapon 2 can be implemented in many different ways. The important thing, however, is that the round-blocking device 9 be configured such that only those ammunition bodies 3 that have been examined can be fired. An ammunition body 3 that has once been examined must not be capable of being exchanged for an ammunition body 3 that has not been examined without having the round-blocking device 9 be activated.

The activation of the system electronics, and a manual loading of the weapon 2, must also not lead to the firing of ammunition bodies 3 that have not been examined. For this reason, the scanner 6, as well as the type-identifying device 7, are equipped with an emergency power source 7.3. Even if the entire electrical supply of the weapon system 1 is shut down, the scanner 6 and the type-identifying device 7 will continue to be supplied with power from the emergency power source 7.3, so that even manually loaded ammunition bodies 3 are examined. If the scanner 6 or the type-identifying device 7 is separated from the weapon 2, for example due to interruption of the corresponding cable connection, it is ensured that the round-blocking device 9 is transitioned into the active state, and operation of the weapon 2 is not possible.

As can be seen from the illustration of FIG. 1, a second scanner 6 is provided in the loading region of the ammunition depot 5.

This scanner, already during loading of the ammunition depot 5, examines the structure of the ammunition body 3 introduced into the weapon system 1, and by means of a type-identifying device 7 determines the corresponding type of projectile or ammunition. The type of ammunition determined in this manner on the basis of the internal structure of the ammunition body 2 is compared in a comparison unit 12 with a type of ammunition input via an input device 11 with the aid of a prescribed ammunition code or identification. If the two types of ammunition coincide with one another, an appropriate information is conveyed to the weapon controller 10, and is made available for calculating the firing control solution. If the type of ammunition determined, and the type of ammunition body input via the input device 11, are not the same, this is communicated to the operator in a display device of the input device 11.

FIG. 2 illustrates a weapon system 1 that differs from the weapon system illustrated in FIG. 1 in that the one scanner 6 is not disposed in the supply region of the weapon 2, but directly in the weapon 2, for example in or on the firing tube. With such an arrangement of the scanner 6, it is possible to examine the ammunition body 3 directly in its firing position, thereby preventing the danger of manipulations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a scanner 6 is integrated into the handling mechanism 4. The ammunition body 3 is examined during the handling, i.e. during the removal process from the ammunition depot 5, and the subsequent introduction into the firing position within the weapon 2. In this connection, care is taken that the ammunition body 3 cannot be removed from the handling mechanism 4, for example a projectile transfer arm or projectile rammer or loader, without this leading to activation of the round-blocking device 9. For this purpose, appropriate means are provided on the handling mechanism 4 that recognize the presence of an examined ammunition body 3, and that upon removal of this ammunition body 3 activate the round-blocking device 9.

FIG. 4 illustrates a weapon system 1 where the weapon 2 is loaded with a plurality of ammunition bodies 3. Involved here, for example, is a multi-rocket launcher, in the firing container of which a plurality of ammunition bodies 3 embodied as rockets are disposed. The scanner 6 that examines the structure of the ammunition bodies 3 is disposed within the firing container or within the weapon 2.

The ammunition bodies 3 can be accommodated in a magazine, often also designated as “pot”, and can together with the magazine be inserted into the firing container, often also designated as “cage”. The examination of the ammunition bodies 3 can be effected before the magazine is introduced into the firing container. If a proscribed ammunition body 3 is recognized, a mechanical blocking can be effected that blocks further insertion of the magazine into the firing container in order in this manner to prevent firing. It would also be possible upon recognition of a proscribed ammunition body 3 to cancel or disable software components of the weapon controller 10, thereby achieving an additional assurance against firing of proscribed ammunition bodies 3.

With the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the number of scanners 6 corresponds to the number of ammunition bodies 3 accommodated in the weapon 2, whereby a scanner is associated with each ammunition body 3, so that each of the ammunition bodies 3 can be scanned in its firing position.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows details of a structural embodiment of, for example, the weapon system 1 that is illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 1.

The weapon system 1 involves an artillery piece, the weapon 2 of which is illustrated on the loading side in the region of a breech plate 20. Provided in the region of the breech plate 20 is a sliding wedge-type breech lock 21, by means of which the weapon tube can be closed after introduction of the ammunition body 3. The scanner 6 that examines the structure of the ammunition body 3 is disposed in the supply region of the weapon 2. The scanner 6 is secured to the breech plate 20. Upon insertion or loading of an ammunition body 3 into the tube of the weapon 2, the structure of the ammunition body 3 is examined by means of the scanner 6, and the appropriate type of ammunition is determined in the previously described manner.

If a proscribed type of ammunition body is involved, such as a bomblet or cluster munition projectile, the round-blocking device 9 would prevent the sliding wedge-type breech lock 21 from closing the weapon, so that firing of the ammunition body would not be possible. In this case, the ammunition body 3 would first have to be pressed rearwardly out of the tube of the weapon 2 before a different ammunition body 3 could be introduced into the firing position within the weapon 2.

In this connection, the round-blocking device 9 is embodied in such a way that manipulations at the scanner 6 would also lead to blocking of the weapon 2, for example, by means of a mechanical blocking or obstruction of the sliding wedge-type breech lock 21, which could not be released or disengaged from the outside.

With the aid of the weapon systems and pertaining process described above, proscribed ammunition bodies 3 within the weapon system 1 can be recognized, and the weapon 2 can be deactivated. With such a weapon system, even with manipulations by the operating personnel it is not possible to fire prohibited ammunition bodies 3, such as bomblet projectiles.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 Weapon System     -   2 Weapon     -   3 Ammunition Body     -   4 Handling Mechanism     -   5 Ammunition Depot     -   6 Scanner     -   7 Type-identifying Device     -   7.1 Data Bank     -   7.2 Evaluation Electronics     -   7.3 Emergency Power Source     -   9 Round-blocking Device     -   10 Weapon Controller     -   11 Input Device     -   12 Comparison Unit     -   20 Breech Plate     -   21 Sliding Wedge-type Breechlock 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A weapon system, comprising: a weapon for firing ammunition bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.
 17. A weapon system according to claim 16, wherein said at least one scanner is integrated into said weapon in such a way that it is configured to examine the structure of the ammunition body in its firing position.
 18. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes an ammunition supply mechanism for said weapon, wherein said at least one scanner is disposed in the region of said ammunition supply mechanism.
 19. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes a handling mechanism for loading of said weapon, wherein said at least one scanner is disposed on said handling mechanism.
 20. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes a type-identifying device that is configured to determine the type of a given ammunition body, wherein said at least one scanner is coupled with said type-identifying device.
 21. A weapon system according to claim 20, which further includes a reference data bank, wherein said type-identifying device is configured to compare examination results of said at least one scanner with said data bank.
 22. A weapon system according to claim 20, which further includes a round-blocking device that is configured to prevent firing of an ammunition body, wherein said type-identifying device is coupled with said round-blocking device.
 23. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes an ammunition depot that is configured to be loaded with a plurality of ammunition bodies and from which the ammunition bodies can be removed and supplied to said weapon, wherein said at least one scanner is disposed on a loading side of said ammunition depot.
 24. A weapon system according to claim 16, wherein said at least one scanner is an acoustic resonance tester.
 25. A method for firing ammunition bodies by means of a weapon, including the step of: scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof.
 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said scanning step comprises examining the structure of the ammunition body in a firing position thereof within the weapon.
 27. A method according to claim 25, which includes the step, on the basis of a structure examination by means of at least one scanner, of determining the type of ammunition body using a type-identifying device.
 28. A method according to claim 27, which includes the step of blocking the weapon as a function of a recognized type of ammunition body.
 29. A method according to claim 27, which includes the step of transmitting information pertaining to the type of ammunition body to a weapon controller.
 30. A method of detecting ammunition bodies, including the step of: scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.
 31. A method according to claim 30, wherein said scanning step comprises examining the structure of the ammunition body on a loading side of an ammunition depot that is configured to be filled with a plurality of ammunition bodies. 